Episode 19: Xavier O’Callaghan

Xavier O'Callaghan is a two-time Olympian with the National team of Spain, and played 19 seasons for FC Barcelona handball, winning 7 European Cups, 8 League championships, and 6 Copas del Rey.

His dedication to Barca has stretched for 34 years into his life post-professional handball. Xavi is now the Managing Director for FC Barcelona in the Americas, focusing on the expansion of Barcelona's fundamental beliefs.

In this episode of Straight Handball Talk, Xavier O'Callaghan and Bini Mustafa discuss many topics from Barcelona’s ‘renewal’ while maintaining its powerful and successful philosophy to his recent appearance on the popular sports podcast Pardon My Take, which recently painted a less-than-flattering picture of the sport of handball.

Xavi also gives a clear explanation of the responsibilities of Forum Club Handball, a global organization which he started and was president for 10 years. The organization supports handball clubs in the negotiations with governing bodies, and media rights holder for better and fair opportunities for all.

Enjoy the conversation, and please feel free to leave comments below.